At what age should vision screening begin according to the AAP?

Vision screening should begin at age 3, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. This recommendation is based on the understanding that many vision disorders, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), often become apparent in early childhood. By the age of 3, children can typically respond to simple vision tests, making it a suitable time for screening to identify any issues that could impact their development and learning later on.

Early detection is crucial because if vision problems are identified and treated during these formative years, it can significantly improve outcomes. Screening at age 3 allows for timely intervention, which is essential since many vision problems can be successfully treated when caught early. As children grow and enter school, regular vision assessments become increasingly important, but the critical window for initial screening is at age 3.